The Magic Box

The guitar virtuoso exuberantly explores folk-based African music

An excellent, unusual and captivating series of music. 'The Magic Box' is a wonderfully complex yet very accessible set of pieces. A European's interpretation of many different kinds of African music. It is both captivating and entrancing...

In a tribute to the late Cameroon guitarist Francis Bebey, John Williams & Friends explore the sound of the guitar in traditional and contemporary African music, performing music from Cameroon, Mali, Senegal, Madagascar, Cape Verde and other cultures of the African continent. The album takes John Williams' artistry in new and invigorating directions as he delves into the exuberant, expressive world of African music.

Long interested in the great variety of African culture, John Williams says he started to learn seriously about the guitar's place in African music when he began to record The Magic Box. He rediscovered the music of Cameroon guitar legend Francis Bebey and invited him to participate in the project. Sadly, Francis Bebey died of a heart attack on May 28, 2001, not long after recording the album.

Together on 'Magic Box', John Williams & Friends create an extraordinary musical feast ...